United Way of Horry County (UWHC) invests in local nonprofits through two distinct grant programs designed to strengthen our community. Whether your organization is looking to grow internal capacity or expand program impact, we offer funding opportunities that support sustainable change right here in Horry County.

All funds must stay within Horry County, ensuring that your work directly benefits the neighbors and communities we serve.

Capacity Building Grants

Our Capacity Building Grants help nonprofits strengthen their internal management, governance, and strategic collaborations. By investing in your organization’s infrastructure, UWHC supports long-term resilience and growth—so you can deliver even greater impact. 

Funding Amount: Up to $5,000 per project

Eligible Projects May Include:

• Strategic planning, development, or marketing strategies
• Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging initiatives
• Financial sustainability and board development
• Professional training and leadership development
• Internal operations: systems, software, technology upgrades
• Collaboration and partnership-building efforts

Eligibility:

• Must align with at least one UWHC Community Game Plan pillar (Youth Opportunity, Healthy Community, Financial Security and Community Resiliency)
• Open to 501(c)(3) nonprofits, faith-based organizations (with restrictions), civic groups, schools, and government agencies with qualifying proposals
• Must have at least three years of service history in Horry County

📌 Learn more about Capacity Building Grants →

Ready to Apply?

Applications are open now on a rolling basis for 2026 Capacity Building Grants.

 👉 Start your application today →

Competitive Investment Grants

United Way of Horry County will not be opening a traditional grant application for 2026. We are taking this year to pause and dive deeper into our newly completed Community Needs Assessment. This work has led to an updated Community Game Plan that ensures that future funding decisions are strategic, equitable, and impactful.

For 2026, only agencies currently funded through UWHC will be eligible for grants. While new applications will not be accepted this year, we are committed to engaging a wide range of community partners in the planning process. Your feedback and collaboration will help shape the updated Community Game Plan and future funding opportunities. Check back in Fall 2026 for more information about the 2027 Competitive Grant cycle.

Thank you for all you do to strengthen our community—we look forward to sharing updates as this important work moves forward.

Competitive Grants Criteria:

Our Competitive Investment Grants fund programs that directly address the root causes of community needs. Guided by our Community Game Plan, we focus on four pillars: Youth Opportunity, Healthy Community, Financial Security and Community Resiliency.

These grants are reviewed by community volunteers who serve on our Vision Councils, ensuring that funding decisions reflect local priorities and create lasting change.

Funding Amount:

$10,000-$40,000 (not to exceed 30% of program expenses)

Program Expectations:

• Must align with one of UWHC’s bold community goals
• Agencies select measurable objectives and track shared outcomes (How much did we do? How well did we do it? Is anyone better off?)
• Encourages continuous improvement and collaboration across funded partners

Eligibility:

• Must be a 501(c)(3) human service organization in good standing in South Carolina
• Board of Directors of at least five independent, non-compensated members
• Programs must operate in Horry County and comply with all nondiscrimination requirements

📌 Learn more about Competitive Investment Grants →

Why Apply?

1. Strengthen your nonprofit’s long-term sustainability
2. Access resources to improve community outcomes
3. Join a network of organizations committed to measurable impact in Horry County

Previously Funded Organizations

• Children’s Recovery Center
  • Forensic Medical Exams
• Rape Crisis Center
  • Operations for Sexual Assault Services
• Friendship Medical Clinic
  • Patient Care
• Lions Vision Services
  • Envision Horry Program
• Helping Hand of Myrtle Beach
  • Emergency Aid Operations
• Neighbor to Neighbor
  • Transit Program
• The Period Project
  • Period Packs
• The Shepherd’s Table
  • Meal Services
• YMCA of Coastal Carolina
  • After-School & Sumer Camps
• Reach Out & Read
  • Book Purchases
• Family Outreach Horry County
  • General Operations
• Freedom Readers
  • Tutoring & Mentoring
• Palmetto Literacy Council
  • Tutoring Program
• New Directions Horry County
  • Emergency & Transitional Housing
• A  Father’s Place
  • Pathways to Economic Mobility
• Sea Haven
  • Project Lighthouse Youth Shelter
• Habitat for Humanity
  • Homebuyer Program

Ready to Apply?

Applications are not currently being accepted. New applications will open in the Fall 2026 for 2027 Competitive Investment Grants.

e-CImpact is United Way of Horry County’s online grant management system for nonprofit agencies and community impact vision council volunteers. Current grantees and new applicants can access the application through the “e-CImpact for Agencies” button below. 

If you need assistance accessing e-CImpact or navigating the system, please call 843-347-1183.